Absolutely stunning Savill Garden - part of The Royal Landscape
Today started out cold and grey - hardly surprising as it's autumn - but I really wanted to get out and walk around a garden, and preferably one that would inspire me. I don't know why, but I suddenly decided to go and visit the Savill Garden in Berkshire. I'd heard that it's magnificent in autumn, but nothing, and I mean nothing could have prepared me for what I found and I have to say that this garden has shot to the top of my favourites list after just one afternoon!
I was incredibly lucky with the weather because the sun came out for short bursts while I was there, but even in the grey periods, I was astounded by this garden. It has one of the most amazing collection of trees - including many that I've never seen before - summer borders that are still in bloom at the end of October; a water garden that is just outstanding; rhododendrons that left me gasping; and much, much more.
You can see what the weather was like from my photographs, because they vary from sunny reflections to dull compositions like the one above, but even the poor light conditions couldn't deflect from what's on offer here.
The Savill Garden forms part of Windsor Great Park, and is named after its creator, Eric Savill, who went to work for King George V in 1931, as Deputy Surveyor. He was a talented plantsman with a knowledge of farming and forestry, who set to work, and planted the seeds of the magnificent 35-acre garden that is there today. It is home to several National Plant Collections and forms part of "The Royal Landscape" - a clever catchphrase for all the surrounding areas, including The Valley Gardens.
The rhododendrons here are quite astounding - even at this time of year - and I need to do some research before I post pictures, so that I can tell you what they are. Do visit... and soon if you can, because this is one of the most spectacular autumn gardens I have ever seen!
Thank you for sharing with us your visit to these beautiful gardens. They are stunning. All of the autumn colors are amazing in their intensity.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding pictures, each on is more beautiful than the next. I just want to stroll into the 2nd photo. Thanks so much for a wonderful post. :) Rebecca
ReplyDeleteIncredible pictures of an incredible Garden. I lived in London for nearly a year in the 80's and I so enjoyed all the Gardens there. However some of those at or near Windsor are with out word some of the most amazing. We here in Canada are fortunate as well as Ottawa was designed with with Nature and Gardens in mind. To-day we are blessed with that outcome. At the time the very formal Victorian Garden was the norm for State Buildings.
ReplyDeleteWhat colors! Stunning shots, I can't begin to imagine how beautiful it would be.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHi Tiggerlot~~ Wow. Stunning photos. I can just imagine how sweet the air smelled.
ReplyDeleteYou have such impeccable taste! Another one I love & it is lovely in every season, in fact if I remember correctly they name different areas for each season. I have been in winter & enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMention must be made of the fantastic building housing cafe, shop etc which fits the landscape perfectly.I am enjoying your visits very much.
This is reminding me of the much smaller gardens at Furzey House in the New Forest. Have you been there? I'm not necessarily recommending them because it is so long since I've been there they may have changed - but the peaceful atmosphere is similar. (And the honey in the shop was worth a round trip of a few hundred miles.)
ReplyDeleteLucy
wow..........very awsome autumn colours, thanx :)
ReplyDeleteI've only been to England in May, June and July (all good times for visiting English gardens!), but this post definitely makes me want to go in fall. Thanks for telling us about this garden.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, it is stunning and so are your photos!
ReplyDelete-Amy
Splendid eye candy.
ReplyDeleteRosey
I just love visiting all of these beautiful gardens with you that I would not be able to see otherwise. The Fall colors are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful colors. I just love the second picture and the plantings in it.
ReplyDeleteI have to echo Ms B, you have impeccable taste. The gardens are beautiful. Even the fading hostas look devine. Well, I think those look like hosta in the second picture. I look forward to spring as I hopefully expect that you will be visiting again for the rhodies' show.
ReplyDeleteI thought for a minute you were going to post on the one which is Richmond Park I think by the same name but this was a lovely surprise.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! I choose number 1 or 7- Gloria
ReplyDelete